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It was reported Thursday by Yahoo! Sports that Michigan is being investigated by the NCAA for “possibly scouting opponents in person in an alleged attempt to ascertain play calling signs.”
Per the NCAA’s by-laws, “off-campus, in-person scouring of future opponents” is prohibited. Interestingly enough, two of Michigan’s opponents said the Wolverines knew their play signs.
Moments ago, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel released a statement on this investigation.
“I want to personally assure you that U-M Athletics will offer its complete cooperation to the NCAA in this matter,” Manuel said. “At the University of Michigan, all of us are committed to the highest standards of ethics and integrity for all member of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Given ongoing investigation, I’ll have no further comments at this time.”
More from Warde Manuel: “…of our community. This is the same expectation I have of all coaches, staff, and student-athletes. Given ongoing investigation, I’ll have no further comments at this time.”
— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) October 19, 2023
The Big Ten is also aware of this investigation. The conference issued a statement a few hours prior to Manuel’s comments.
“Late Wednesday afternoon, the Big Ten Conference and University of Michigan were notified by the NCAA that the NCAA was investigating allegations of sign stealing by the University of Michigan football program,” the conference said. “The Big Ten Conference has notified Michigan State University and future opponents. The Big Ten Conference considers the integrity of competition to be of utmost importance and will continue to monitor the investigation. The Conference will have no further comment at this time.”
The timing of this investigation is interesting to say the least. Michigan will face Michigan State this Saturday night.